The following description of the façade is from the
NRHP Nomination Form
The north third of the asymmetrical façade contains a projecting entrance pavilion. The two-story pavilion is flanked by
pairs of fluted columns with Corinthian capitals; a wide entablature rests on the columns and is topped by a wrought iron
railing. The frieze of the entablature is decorated with raised terra cotta garlands.
The second story above the marquee contains three, evenly
spaced, six-over-six-light, double-hung windows. A single, wall-mounted globe light fixture is located on either side of this
row of windows.
The remaining two-thirds of the façade contains five bays, delineated by applied architrave trim placed above and below.
The trim defines two panels, one above the other within a flat wall surface of glazed brick. The lower, vertical panel is two
stories in height; the first story of each panel contains a rectangular recessed display area topped with a projecting
cornice that incorporates a light fixture. An oval stained glass window with a terra cotta frame is located above the display
panel at the second story level. (These windows illuminate the interior ramp to the balcony.) Short, horizontal panels,
containing terra cotta garlands, are located above the vertical bottom panels; the entablature of the entrance pavilion
extends across the entire front of the building above these short horizontal panels.
The entablature incorporates a wide cornice with a dentilated trim course, a flat frieze decorated with terra cotta
medallions, and a architrave trim at the top. The roof parapet projects above this. The parapet contains five horizontal
panels outlined by architrave trim, centered over the panels below the entablature. Each panel contains a centrally placed,
wall-hung, globe light fixture. The front-facing mansard roof, covered with red clay tiles rises behind the parapet. Six terra
cotta urns affixed to the top of the parapet stand out against the red tile of the roof.
Rialto Theater
"What you hear and what you will see will linger in your memory like a beautiful dream," proclaimed the Powell County Press when the Rialto Theater opened with a glittering production of the opera Robin Hood in May of 1921. The Butte architectural firm of Arnold and Van Hausen designed the theater for Jens Hansen, Sr. and Peter Pauly's partnership, "The Rialto Theater Corporation." The theater is a classic example of Beaux Arts inspired American "movie palace" architecture. Light-colored walls of glazed brick and rich decorations including ornate Corinthian columns, terra cotta garlands and a mansard roof with wrought iron balustrade are elements frequently incorporated into this eclectic genre. Exotic romantic movie palaces like the Rialto were designed to enhance the magical spell of motion pictures. Inside are marble wainscotting in the foyer, intricate gilt moldings, silk tapestries, elegant lighting and air cushioned leather seats outfitted underneath with wire hat racks. Equipped with state of the art projection equipment and a custom Cremona theater organ for silent movies, the Rialto also possessed an ample stage, orchestra pit and dressing rooms. The beautiful scenic backdrops made by the esteemed Twin Cities Scenic Studio in Minneapolis still grace the stage. The first "talking" picture was shown in 1929 and the stage has hosted countless high school plays, concerts, and other events. The partnership was dissolved in the 1950s but the Hansen family continued to operate this entertainment showcase until 1995, when it was purchased by the non-profit Rialto Community Theater, Inc.
From the NRHP Plaque